6 storms that crippled the East Coast: Extreme freezes

6 snowstorms that crippled the East Coast

The region's extreme freezes

As we gear up for another winter, it's appropriate to put the weather in perspective. One region’s "Snowpocalypse” could be another part of the country’s everyday winter weather.

Snowstorms that hit the East Coast are often highly publicized, but some storms in this densely populated region are more memorable than others. While making this list, we considered total snowfall and the area the storm covered, as well as other factors, like prolonged low temperatures and the population affected.

The biggest snowstorms are the ones that shut down entire swaths of the area — the ones that close airports, shutter businesses and keep the kids at home from school, often for days and weeks on end.

Without further ado, here are six of the biggest snowstorms to hit the East Coast. (Text: Shea Gunther)